OpenAI said Tuesday that all Indian users who join up during a special campaign period beginning November 4 will receive free access to ChatGPT Go for a year.

On the same day, OpenAI will celebrate its first DevDay Exchange event in Bengaluru, and this offer is part of that celebration.

OpenAI’s freshly released ChatGPT Go membership plan allows users to access several of the platform’s more sophisticated capabilities, such as longer memory, more image production, higher message limits, and the capacity to upload more files and images.

The most recent GPT-5 model from OpenAI powers all of these capabilities.

In response to user requests for a more cost-effective approach to utilize ChatGPT’s sophisticated technologies, the plan was initially introduced in India in August of this year.

In just one month after its debut, ChatGPT’s paid user base more than doubled in India.

OpenAI enhanced ChatGPT in response to this robust response. Visit about 90 nations globally.

India is one of ChatGPT’s fastest-growing and second-largest markets at the moment.

Every day, millions of people nationwide—including professionals, developers, and students—use ChatGPT to expand their creativity, pick up new skills, and create original projects.

The new offer supports the government’s IndiaAI Mission, which seeks to increase access to artificial intelligence tools and foster creativity throughout the nation, and underscores OpenAI’s ongoing “India-first” strategy.

Additionally, OpenAI is collaborating with government-led projects, educational institutions, and civil society organizations to increase the accessibility and inclusivity of AI tools.

The free 12-month offer will also be available to current ChatGPT Go members in India; further information will be released soon.

The way Indian people utilize ChatGPT Go has inspired the company, according to Nick Turley, Vice President and Head of ChatGPT.

“We’re making ChatGPT Go freely available for a year in advance of our first DevDay Exchange event in India so that more people can easily access and benefit from advanced AI.” We can’t wait to see what incredible things our users will create, discover, and accomplish with these capabilities,” he said.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has rejected Jana Small Finance Bank’s (SFB) application to become a universal bank, the bank announced on Tuesday, stating that it did not meet the necessary qualifying requirements.

Early in current fiscal year (FY26), the bank filed its application after fulfilling a crucial requirement under the RBI’s framework: keeping net non-performing assets (NPAs) below 1% and gross NPAs below 3% for two years in a row.

But according to the central bank, the application was returned because it did not meet other eligibility requirements.

In its stock exchange filing, the lender with its headquarters in Bengaluru stated, “In continuation of our letter dated June 9, we wish to convey that the RBI has returned the application made for Voluntary Transition to Universal Bank due to non-fulfillment of the criteria mentioned in the RBI circular in this regard.”

Shares of Jana SFB dropped 2.14 percent to Rs 446.4 on the BSE after the announcement.

The stock has dropped by Rs 7.05, or 1.55%, over the previous month, but it has gained Rs 9.40, or 2.14 percent, over the last five days.

The shares of Jana SFB have decreased by Rs 68.95, or 13.35%, over the past six months. However, the stock is still up Rs 43.90, or 10.87 percent, year-to-date (YTD).

With 802 branches serving more than 12 million customers in 23 states and two Union Territories, Jana Small Finance Bank was founded in 2018 and is currently the fourth-largest small finance bank in India.

The bank posted a net profit of Rs 75 crore in the second quarter of FY26, bringing its first-half profit to Rs 177 crore.

It had a net interest margin (NIM) of 6.6%, gross non-performing assets (NPAs) of 2.8%, and net NPAs of 0.9%.

A new report by UBS, a multinational investment bank that has a bullish view on emerging markets (EM) and a “attractive” view on Indian equities amid expectations for earnings recovery, claims that the simplification of the GST, income tax reductions, and central bank easing will increase consumption in India.

“We upgrade EM equities (MSCI EM) to Attractive, reflecting a constructive macro backdrop and improving financial conditions on the back of Fed easing and a softer US dollar,” UBS analysts said. Mainland China, India, Brazil, and Indonesia are our top markets.

Since the asset class’s inception, the argument for investing in EM companies has changed considerably since, according to the financial services company, many EM stocks represent much more than just a bet on commodities and financials.

According to UBS, emerging markets are one of the few places in the world that provide direct exposure to structural tech growth, along with the US.

Because emerging markets include both more cyclical economies like Brazil and domestically oriented ones like India, they also serve as portfolio diversifiers.

The MSCI Emerging Markets targets set by UBS have been increased to 1,420 by December 2025 (up 2.2% from the current level of 1,389) and 1,470 for June 2026.

India’s economy is expected to grow at a solid pace of 6.6% this year (FY26), up from 6.5% in 2024 (FY25), according to the most recent International Monetary Fund (IMF) regional economic outlook report for Asia. This rise is attributed to strong Q2 growth and GST 2.0 changes.

Since April 2025, the outlook for India has brightened since robust Q2 growth and the GST reform are anticipated to offset the adverse effects of rising US tariffs on the demand for Indian goods.

Despite both internal and foreign problems, the Asia-Pacific region’s economies have shown resilience in 2025, registering stronger-than-expected economic growth in the first half of the year. However, the IMF stated that rising protectionism and higher US tariffs will probably lower demand for Asian exports and eventually hinder GDP in the near future.

The government is making significant efforts to position the nation as a leader in next-generation communication technology worldwide, according to data released on Sunday.

With the goal of making India a center for cutting-edge telecom innovation by 2030, the government is now concentrating on creating 6G technology under its “Bharat 6G Vision,” building on the quick implementation and uptake of 5G.

India’s 6G strategy, according to the government, is founded on the ideas of universal access, affordability, and sustainability.

In addition to encouraging domestic research, innovation, and cooperation with international partners, the objective is to guarantee that all citizens enjoy the advantages of fast connectivity.

The project is directly related to the country’s objective of creating a “developed India,” or “Viksit Bharat,” by 2047.

After 5G, sixth-generation, or 6G, technology will be the next significant advancement in wireless communication. It is anticipated to have nearly zero data transfer latency and be 1,000 times faster than 5G.

Real-time applications like sophisticated robotics, smart cities, remote surgery, and immersive virtual worlds will be made possible by this.

The government has started a number of projects to aid in the development of 6G. To promote research and innovation, it has provided funding for two cutting-edge testbeds: the Advanced Optical Communication Testbed and the 6G Terahertz (THz) Testbed.

In order to improve industry-academia cooperation and get the ecosystem ready for 6G, 100 5G laboratories have also been established in academic institutions around India.

In order to integrate India’s research and development efforts with the global 6G roadmap, 104 research projects pertaining to 6G network ecosystems have been approved thus far.

To encourage domestic R&D in telecom technology, the government has also established the “Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF).”

With an emphasis on both 5G and 6G technologies, 115 projects totaling more than Rs 310 crore have been approved under the initiative thus far.

The establishment of the “Bharat 6G Alliance (B6GA),” a collaboration between the government, business, academia, and research organizations, is a significant step in realizing this objective.

The partnership seeks to establish an independent, internationally competitive advanced telecommunications technology ecosystem.

Aditya Sarpotdar’s “Thamma” is the fifth film in the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe. Ayushmann Khurrana, Paresh Rawal, Rashmika Mandanna, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui are its main actors. On October 21, 2025, the horror-comedy was launched in theaters. There is also a crossover between the movie and Varun Dhawan‘s “Bhediya.”

Actor Ayushmann Khurrana talked candidly about a heartwarming experience in which he said that veteran Paresh Rawal made him think of his deceased father.

Ayushmann Khurrana recently shared on Instagram that his father used to chant “Ayushman Bhav” whenever he caressed his feet. Ayushmann felt as though his father, his guardian angel, was bestowing blessings upon him once more when he saw Paresh Rawal utter the same words in the movie “Thamma.” The actor posted pictures and a touching message on Instagram on Friday to commemorate the success of his most recent movie, “Thamma.”

“This family has seen a lot in the last few years,” He wrote. Thamma’s success resembles a lovely heavenly light. It is the outcome of the prayers of all the people here, young and old. Every time I touched my father’s feet, he would exclaim, “Ayushman Bhav.” It seemed as though my father and guardian angel had blessed me when Paresh ji stated Ayushman Bhav in the movie.

“The audience, my late father, and my family have showered Thamma with love.“ If you happen to see an overwhelmed me at a suburban theater, don’t be shocked. I might stop by to say hello and thanks,” he continued.

Rashmika Mandanna took to social media to reflect on her amazing filmmaking journey.

She wrote, “Ahh… where do I even start…This movie has been more than simply work from the first call sheet to the final cut; it’s been a journey of heart, grit, humor, bruises, and mornings we didn’t want to wake up for and nights we didn’t want to finish.

“To our amazing director, @aditya_a_sarpotdar sir, my heart is full of respect for you,” she wrote in appreciation of the director’s faith in her. You pushed me because you trusted me. You helped us get there because you saw what the movie might be.

I’m thrilled to have appeared on screen alongside Paresh Rawal, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and Ayushmann Khurrana.

According to Rashmika, “@ayushmannk, @pareshrawalofficial sir, @nawazuddin._siddiqui sir doing scenes with you is so effortless and natural.. sooo happy we got to work on this one together..”

We all know these tales, but this is the first time we’re actually getting to see them, so I guess that’s what ties us all together,” Rashmika continued. That’s why it’s so widely celebrated, and I believe that people of all ages adore it.

According to a recent report, “Indian immigrants are the most economically beneficial immigrant group” in the US, contributing to GDP growth and lowering the national debt.

An average Indian immigrant lowers the US “national debt by over $1.6 million over 30 years and increases GDP more than immigrants from any other country,” according to the Institute’s analysis, which was released on Thursday.

The study also found that H-1B visa holders increase GDP the highest by legal status, with an average H-1B visa holder lowering debt by $2.3 million and increasing GDP by $500,000 after 30 years.

The Manhattan Institute Senior Fellow and report’s author, Daniel Martino, referred to South Asian immigrants—particularly Indians—as the “most fiscally positive group.”

He estimates that ending the H-1B visa program would result in a $26 billion economic decline and a $185 billion increase in the US debt over a ten-year period.

The paper also suggests instituting a wage-based visa system and discontinuing the H-1B lottery.

The report was released on Thursday, the same day the White House pledged to defend the administration’s assault on H-1B visas in court.

Prioritizing American workers has always been the president’s top focus, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. These lawsuits will be contested in court by the administration. We are aware that the H-1B visa system has been overrun with fraudulent applications for far too long, which has reduced American salaries. Therefore, the President put these new policies into place in part because he wants to improve this system.

The largest business group in the nation, the US Chamber of Commerce, filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration last week, claiming that the new visa regulations were “illegal.”

The plaintiff claimed that if the visa fee were to be imposed, it would “inflict significant harm on American businesses” and compel them to “either drastically increase their labor costs or hire fewer highly skilled employees for whom domestic replacements are not readily available.” The lawsuit was filed in the Washington district court.

Trump’s September 19 declaration was also described as “blatantly illegal” and a “boon to America’s economic rivals.”

Following a lawsuit against the Trump administration on October 3 by a combination of unions, educators, and religious organizations, it was the second significant domestic legal challenge to the new H-1B regulations.

Additionally, the US Department of Homeland Security released new guidance earlier this week that included a number of exemptions and carveouts regarding the $100,000 H-1B visa application fee.

The new rules state that employees who transfer from another visa category, like F-1 student status, to H-1B visa status would not be charged the $100,000 cost.

Only new visa petitioners who are not in the United States and do not currently possess a valid H-1B visa are covered by the proclamation.

Over 70% of all H1-B visas granted in 2024 went to workers who were born in India, mostly as a result of a significant backlog in applications and a large number of highly qualified Indian immigrants.

With a 53-run (DLS) victory over the White Ferns in Navi Mumbai, India eliminated New Zealand and Sri Lanka and guaranteed the final position in the World Cup semi-finals.

With three straight losses going into their penultimate group match, the co-hosts were in risk of losing out on the final four of the 50-over championship for the third time in four editions.

In the meantime, New Zealand, who are tied with India on four points, had two of their last games called off because of rain after winning one of their first three games.

With a 90-minute delay at the end of India’s innings that reduced the game to 49 overs per side and another delay that saw New Zealand’s chase modified to 325 from 44 overs, more rainy conditions momentarily threatened to disappoint both teams.

But with century from Pratika Rawal (her 122 (134) is the tournament’s second-highest total) and Smriti Mandhana (109 off 95), India easily earned the two points they needed to join Australia, South Africa, and England in the knockout rounds. New Zealand’s response was limited to 271-8.

If Sri Lanka and New Zealand win their remaining group games and India loses to Bangladesh, they might join them on six points, but neither team can match India’s three victories, which is the primary criterion used to separate teams.

India amassed the highest total of the tournament thanks to Jemimah Rodrigues’ blistering 76 (55), while Mandhana and Rawal were almost ever challenged by New Zealand’s bowlers, easily scoring 212 for the first wicket.

In response, New Zealand fell to 59-3, losing captain Sophie Devine and seasoned player Suzie Bates to single-figure scores.

But the White Ferns fought to the end thanks to half-centuries from Izzy Gaze and Brooke Halliday in the middle order, the latter from a stunning 39 balls.

Sophie Devine, the captain of New Zealand, said, “We are really upset. We needed more chances since this tournament has been tough.India deserves praise today. The girls’ perseverance in fighting makes me incredibly proud. Could we have been closer with a full fifty overs? Perhaps. Gutted beyond belief. We have five million people, but the countries we are playing against have 1.4 billion. We must keep that in mind.

Harmanpreet Kaur, the captain of India, said, “It wasn’t easy. The whole team deserves praise for the way we battled tonight; we understood how crucial this game was. It’s time to go big now that we’re starting to get noticed. Pratika and Smriti deserve praise. After the last three games didn’t go well, the team got up and we helped one another up. Everyone has high expectations for you if you perform at home. As a team, we are constantly talking about how this is our home, the crowd is supporting you, and now is the moment to have fun.”

The government stated on Wednesday that the Skilling for AI Readiness (SOAR) program is establishing the groundwork for a digitally inclusive, competitive, and self-reliant India in the midst of the global change fueled by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning.

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) launched the SOAR program in July 2025 with the goal of incorporating AI competencies into India’s educational system.

By giving young people the skills they need for in-demand fields like IT, digital innovation, and AI-driven industries, it supports the government’s objective of taking the lead in global technological developments.

In an official statement, the government stated that the Skilling for AI Readiness (SOAR) program is a critical step in establishing India as a world leader in AI-driven workforce development and education.

“SOAR lays the foundation for a digitally inclusive, competitive, and self-reliant India, ready to shape the future of global innovation,” the statement continued, citing the Viksit Bharat at 2047 vision as its cornerstone.

The main goals of SOAR are to increase economic independence, raise understanding of AI, and create a tech-driven India.

In this increasingly digital world, it aims to prepare India for the future by focusing on educators and students in grades 6 through 12.

With a focus on subjects like ethical AI use and fundamental machine learning ideas, the curriculum consists of three focused 15-hour modules for students and one separate 45-hour module for educators.

The initiative incorporates AI literacy into both vocational training and educational curricula. In addition to providing educators and students with state-of-the-art skills, SOAR promotes an innovative and morally responsible use of technology.

The initiative empowers India’s youth to propel technical and economic advancement by collaborating with platforms such as the Skill India Digital Hub, which guarantees accessibility across a range of socioeconomic classes.

“By fostering a robust ecosystem of AI-literate students and educators, the initiative aims to create a pipeline of skilled professionals for roles in AI development, data analytics, and tech innovation,” said the statement.

The US Department of Homeland Security has released updated guidance on the $100,000 application fee, offering a number of exemptions and carveouts, which is a significant relief for foreign workers on H-1B visas.

The new rules state that employees who transfer from another visa category, like F-1 student status, to H-1B visa status would not be charged the $100,000 cost.

The substantial payment will not be applied to H-1B employees who are requesting an amendment, change of status, or extension of stay in the United States. Furthermore, entry and exit from the United States will not be restricted for any current H-1B visa holders.

Only new visa petitioners who are not in the United States and do not currently possess a valid H-1B visa are covered by the proclamation. Additionally, it offered a link for new applications to pay online.

The clarification was made just two days after the largest business organization in the nation, the US Chamber of Commerce, sued the Trump administration for the new regulations, claiming they were “illegal.”

The plaintiff claimed that if the visa fee is imposed, it will “inflict significant harm on American businesses” and compel them to “either drastically increase their labor costs or hire fewer highly skilled employees for whom domestic replacements are not readily available” in a lawsuit submitted on Thursday to the Washington district court.

Trump’s September 19 declaration was also described as “blatantly illegal” and a “boon to America’s economic rivals.”

Following a lawsuit against the Trump administration on October 3 by a combination of unions, educators, and religious organizations, it was the second significant domestic legal challenge to the new H-1B regulations.

Trump had stated that the “incentive is to hire American workers” when he signed the decree in September.

The proclamation created a great deal of confusion because it appeared to affect current H-1B visa holders, who would encounter difficulties when trying to return to the United States.

According to a clarification released by the White House, this is a “one-time fee” that only applies to new visas—not renewals or existing visa holders.

Over 70% of all H1-B visas granted in 2024 went to workers who were born in India, mostly as a result of a significant backlog in applications and a large number of highly qualified Indian immigrants.

WhatsApp is preparing a significant update to prevent unsolicited messages and spam.

A new rule that restricts the number of messages users and businesses can send to individuals who are not on their contact list and do not respond is being tested by the messaging app.

The goal of this change is to provide users with a more orderly and peaceful inbox.

WhatsApp began as a straightforward chat app but has since expanded into a vast platform with communities, business accounts, and customer support channels.

However, many users have been frustrated as a result of the rise in unsolicited communications and ads.

WhatsApp is currently testing a monthly limit on messages sent to recipients who don’t reply, according to a report by “TechCrunch.”

This limit is reached with each message sent to a non-contact. For instance, three of the allotted messages for that month will be used up if someone sends three messages to someone who doesn’t respond.

The business says it is still testing out various restrictions, thus it has not yet disclosed the precise message cap.

Users will probably get a warning if they approach the cap. They may be momentarily prohibited from messaging new contacts if they reach the limit.

WhatsApp stated that this change will not impact everyday users who talk with friends and family.

With over 500 million users in India, WhatsApp is working to combat spam in general, and this new feature is part of that effort.

WhatsApp has implemented a number of anti-spam measures in the last 12 months, including as limitations on broadcast messages, unsubscribe choices for business chats, and restrictions on marketing communications.

Companies who use WhatsApp to engage with clients may now need to put more effort into developing genuine relationships rather than delivering bulk messages.

It is anticipated that this modification would result in a more streamlined and customized chat experience for regular users.

WhatsApp’s new message restriction is a significant step toward returning the platform to its original goal of facilitating private and intimate chats, even though it might not totally eradicate spam.